I am very grateful to all who were able to attend one or more of the 8 sessions
of the Second Parish Renewal this year. Fr. Mike's talk on the Holy Eucharist
was the best presentation I've heard and I’ve attended many classes in Grad School on
the Eucharist and read many books since Seminary on the topic. Also, the presentation
on St. Paul . . . WOW, why couldn't Fr. Nick have taught me in the Seminary about Paul.
It was clear, intelligent, from the heart and passionate. The Seminary professor put us to sleep talking about Paul. In one of Franciscan Sr. Joan's presentations, she lamented that
her preaching ministry did not afford her opportunity to work directly with the poor and hungry and paid our parish a
wonderful compliment, "I visit many parishes throughout the U.S. and Australia," she said, "however, when I was here during
Advent and saw the truck in the parking lot, I cannot recall ever witnessing such a generous outpouring of love and concern for the poor!"

Let me also thank not only those who attended one of the sessions but thank Fr. Larry, Ronnie Estony, Cathy Romano, Marilyn Moran,
Connie Luppino, Dolores Bacharach, Carol Gabriel, Frank Matto, Aidan Andrews, Dennis Stypinski and all who helped them execute the
Teaching Sessions, the Wednesday Evening Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Thursday Evening Healing Mass with the
Sacrament of the Sick. Both parishioners and visitors from neighboring parishes have given me positive feedback on what a moving,
spiritual and uplifting experience it was for them.

Finally, I am grateful to Sister Joan, OSF, Fr. Michael, OP, and Fr. Nicholas, OP (former Provincial Superior of the Dominicans
in Australia), for fitting us into their busy schedule. They are in great demand. In our 1st Mission, we were blessed by the Spiritual
Leadership of Fr. Jack, OFM Cap (former Provincial Superior of the NY Province), and in our 2nd Mission, we were blessed with the thre
Mendicants from Webster Wisconsin. Events such as these, require much planning and behind the scene work. Our parish is blessed
with many hands and hearts, nonetheless, we can take our goodness for granted or grow accustomed to it. That is why, hearing such
enthusiastic affirmation from the Team which visits many parishes throughout the US and Australia, and from Fr. Jack, who also
has traveled to many parishes, their positive, affirming and generous evaluation means much. My prayer is that these two Lenten
Parish Missions have helped our parish prepare spiritually for the upcoming journey of Holy Week.